Gallium Citrate Ga 67 Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

Information in this record refers to the use of Ga 67 citrate as a diagnostic agent. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission states that breastfeeding should be interrupted temporarily after administration of Ga 67 citrate to a nursing mother. The duration of breastfeeding interruption depends on the dose administered (see table).[1] However, as a practical course of action, those receiving the highest doses might have to permanently discontinue breastfeeding this infant.[2][3] After doses greater than 200 MBq, consideration of temporarily limiting close contact between the mother and infant.[4]

During the period of interruption, the breasts should be emptied regularly and completely. If the mother has expressed and saved milk prior to the examination, she can feed it to the infant during the period of nursing interruption.[2][4][5] The milk that is pumped by the mother during the time of breastfeeding interruption can either be discarded or[2][5] stored frozen and given to the infant after 10 physical half-lives, or about 33 days, have elapsed.

Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at a safe level she may resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[3] Mothers who receive a dose less than 190 MBq for an inflammation scan need not refrain from close contact with their infants.[6]

Mothers concerned about the level of radioactivity in their milk could ask to have it tested at a nuclear medicine facility at their hospital. When the radioactivity is at background levels they may safely resume breastfeeding. A method for measuring milk radioactivity and determining the time when a mother can safely resume breastfeeding has been published.[3]

Dose

Duration of Interruption[1]

150 MBq (4 mCi)

1 month

50 MBq (1.3 mCi)

2 weeks

7 MBq (0.2 mCi)

1 week

Drug Levels

Ga 67 decays by electron capture with principal photon energies of 93.3, 184.6 and 300.2 keV, and a physical half-life of 3.261 days.[1] The effective half-life of gallium 67 citrate ranges from 40 to 68 hours.[2][3]

4. Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee. Notes for guidance on the clinical administration of radiopharmaceuticals and use of sealed radioactive sources. 2006;25-7. http://www.arsac.org.uk

Gallium Citrate Ga 67 Identification

Substance Name

Gallium Citrate Ga 67

CAS Registry Number

41183-64-6

Drug Class

Radiopharmaceuticals

Gallium Radioisotopes

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

665

Last Revision Date

20141107

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